Enrique Martínez Celaya, artist, author and former scientist, has shown his work all over the world from Russia to Washington D.C. Born in Cuba and raised in Spain and Puerto Rico, he fuses his passion for art and education. Here, we checked in for his rapid-fire answers.

Please share some notes on your education.
Growing up, I was interested in everything—I still am—and education was a way to explore these interests. In my teens, I was an apprentice for a painter, read a lot, and became excited about physics. After I built a laser in high school, I went to college to continue my science studies, but I kept painting and writing. While studying for my doctorate in physics at Berkeley, I was painting all the time. After a soul-searching week in a lighthouse and a long trip through Europe, I decided to devote myself to art and finished my MFA.

What was your best vacation?
Climbing a mountain in Corsica and swimming in the Mediterranean afterwards.

What is the most underrated food?
Ritz crackers and mayonnaise.

What is your favorite dessert?
Cheesecake and apple tarte tatin.

What is your dream road trip?
Drive to all the towns of Spain where Hannibal Barca spent time.

What does luxury mean to you?
Having uncommitted time.

What is your favorite band?
Cowboy Junkies.

Who is your favorite actor?
Jean Reno. Ingrid Bergman.

What is a philosophy on life or one of your favorite philosophies to live by?
Keep your actions faithful and desire only what is in your control.